Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Easy Ways to Add Holiday Sparkle to Your Snowbird Home Keep it Simple, Make it Special, Showcase your Local Environment Years ago Midwestern friends visited us while they were in our southern city for Thanksgiving. My friend asked if I planned to decorate for the …
Your Travel Dream is Not Mine (and Vice Versa) How I Finally Handled A Decade Long Hot Button For the past twelve years, a single hot button question has plagued me. It comes up almost every time I encounter someone who is familiar with both …
The summer off-season is the perfect opportunity to explore gems closer to your primary home. I love checking out the places that are right in my own backyard as they say. The unique history that is exclusively found in areas that you simply just need to take a look. When my sister came home from Hawaii this summer, we toured three historical Indiana homes, including the Lilly mansion which is the residence of descendants of the pharmaceutical pioneer, Eli Lilly. Not only is it super memorable, it's extra special because we did it together.
A gorgeous, French-inspired 22 room mansion, the Lilly home was constructed in 1912 by the original owner, Hugh McKennan Landon who hired architect Lewis Ketcham to bring his vision to life.
Josiah K. Lilly, Jr., grandson of Eli Lilly, purchased the 20th Century estate property
in 1932, expanded it to 56 acres and the Lilly's lived there until the 1960's. The historical home is preserved in the 1930's era and it is stunning. Self-guided tours are included with general admission to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which was founded by Mrs. Ruth Lilly. It is well worth the time to visit, it's an amazing home with beautiful formal gardens that overlook the White River.
Come with me on a historical and photographic tour of the Lilly Mansion, you won't be disappointed.
Officially designated a US National Historic Landmark District in 2003, the 20th Century French Chateauesque Lilly Mansion and Gardens are located on the near Northwest side of Indianapolis, Indiana at 4000 North Michigan Road.
From 1909 to 1913, Hugh McKennan Landon developed the estate and home, also known as Oldfields, on a tract of land that was part of the town of Woodstock, a suburban Indianapolis neighborhood.
Originally 52 acres, the property is now 26 acres located adjacent to the White River and massive historic 555 acre Crown Hill Cemetery, which was established in 1863 at Strawberry Hill. A high point summit known as "The Crown," overlooks the city of Indianapolis. Crown Hill Cemetery is the third largest non-government cemetery in the United States.
The Lilly Mansion and Gardens are best visited in the warmer months of the year when the gardens are green and blooming.
Colonel Eli Lilly (1838 - 1898) made his fortune developing pharmaceuticals and marketing them wholesale to pharmacies. Lilly founded his namesake company in 1876 in Indianapolis, Indiana and it eventually became a pharmaceutical giant, which is now a 
billion dollar enterprise. A self-made man, Colonel Lilly made two significant advances in the early development manufacturing medicinal drugs and later pioneered quality manufacturing assurances. Colonel Lilly was one of the first manufacturers to create a staffed, dedicated research department within his manufacturing company.
Colonel Lilly pioneered the concept of creating prescriptions for dangerous and/or addictive medicine that would only be dispensed by pharmacies after a patient had been seen by a medical doctor.
He was a longtime advocate for federal regulation of the pharmaceutical industry. In 1906 many of the Colonel's reforms were enacted into law, which lead to the creation of the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Colonel Eli Lilly married Emily Lemon in 1861 and they had a son, Josiah Kirby Lilly (also known as JK Lilly Sr., 1861 - 1948). JK Lilly Sr. is regarded as an American businessman, pharmaceutical industrialist, and philanthropist who served as president and chairman of the board of Eli Lilly and Company, the pharmaceutical company that his father, Colonel Eli Lilly, founded.
When Colonel Eli Lilly's wife, Emily passed, he remarried. Maria Cynthia Sloane Lilly (1849 - 1932) gave birth to their only child, Eleanor Wallace Lilly (1870 - 1884), who died of diphtheria as a young teen. She is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In 1882, Josiah Kirby Lilly Sr. (J.K. Lilly Sr.) married Lilly Marie Ridgely (1862 - 1934) and they produced two children, Eli Lilly II (1885 - 1977) and Josiah K. Lilly Jr. (1893 - 1966). Lilly Marie Ridgely Lilly passed away at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1934. Josiah Kirby Lilly Sr. then married a widow, Lila Allison Humes (1884 - 1971) in 1935 and there were no marital children. Her first husband was Dr. Charles Dolph Humes (1882 - 1932, m. 1908). JK Lilly Sr. and both of his wives are buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Eli Lilly II formally met Evelyn Fortune (1887 - 1997) at Lake Wawasee in Northern Indiana where their two families vacationed in the summers. At the lake, Mr. Lilly enjoyed swimming, hiking, fishing and sailing. He proposed to Ms. Fortune in 1906 and they were married in August, 1907. They had three children born in 1908, 1910 and 1918. The first born were sons, both named Eli--who died in the first year of life. Their daughter, Evelyn, whom they called Evie, died childless in 1970.
Eli Lilly II divorced Evelyn in 1926, accusing her of being too strong and independent, blaming her for the death of their sons and accusing her of being affectionless. The judge presiding over the divorce awarded Ms. Fortune $300,000 in cash, a car and the marital home located at 1239 N. Delaware Street in downtown Indianapolis. The judge also awarded Ms. Fortune custody of the couple’s eight-year-old daughter Evie. Ms. Fortune and her daughter began a new life on the East Coast after the divorce. In 1927 Eli Lilly II married Ruth Allison. They did not have children.
Josiah Kirby Lilly Jr. (JK Lilly Jr.) married Ruth Marie Brinkmeyer in 1914 and they had two children: Ruth Lilly (1915 - 2009) and Josiah Kirby Lilly III (1916 - 1995). JK Lilly Jr. purchased what became known as the Lilly estate in 1932.
In 1941 Ruth Lilly married Guernsey Van Riper; however, they divorced in 1981 with no children.
Josiah Kirby Lilly III married Jean K. Heller in 1938 and they had three children. In 1946 Josiah Kirby Lilly III married Josephine Mohan and they had three children. J.K. Lilly III married Margaret Corsini in 1989 and they had no children.
In addition to the walkable areas of Oldfields, self guided tours of the formal gardens are available to visitors. The mansion is available for tours of the first floor and part of the garage area on the lower level. Eight rooms including the great hall, drawing room, game room, sunroom, dining room, loggia, butler's pantry and kitchen and library are fully furnished in period pieces of the 1930's era.
Children and adults are welcome for indoor tours during operating hours. Strollers must be parked outdoors and photography is permitted with non-professional camera equipment.
-- Colonel Eli Lilly, American Union Army officer, pharmacist chemist, and businessman who founded Eli Lilly and Company Pharmaceuticals, 1838 - 1898
HERE VS THERE: TOP QUESTION I AM ASKED MOST
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SNOWBIRD RENTAL
HOW TO EVALUATE ONLINE RENTAL PHOTOS
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
HERE VS THERE: TOP QUESTION I AM ASKED MOST
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SNOWBIRD RENTAL
HOW TO EVALUATE ONLINE RENTAL PHOTOS
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Seville Quarter, downtown Pensacola, Florida Creative Vehicle Options for Snowbirds Car sharing and multi-month leases As snowbirds age, transportation to and from their winter communities is increasingly a concern. Perhaps a solo or snowbird couple want to fly to their destination, but aren’t aware of …
The Clara Barkley Dorr house, 1871, an iconic home surrounded by orange trees located in the downtown historic district of Pensacola, Florida North Florida Vs. South Florida A Comparison of Weather, Cost of Living Index and Ease of Travel by Vehicle This is the fourth …
This is the third of a multi-part series. The first was Florida vs. Arizona and the second is Florida vs. Texas. I already stated in my original post of Florida compared with Arizona and other popular snowbird destinations as follows:
"Let's begin by addressing the obvious. It makes the most sense that if your primary home is on the West Coast that you choose a snowbird community that is also on the West Coast. Right? Investing yourself in an area will be a long term pursuit if you choose wisely and getting there is a huge consideration of where to go. If unsure, then try out different options and see what works best. I highly doubt most snowbirds will repeat a trip from say, Indiana, Michigan or Ohio to Arizona more than once or twice. It's a long, multi-day drive. I'm not a gambler, but if I was, I would put high odds on what I refer to as the big slide. Most snowbirds slide south to their winter destinations.
My region in Northwest Florida primarily attracts people from the Northern Midwest states with a sprinkling of other areas mixed in. Most of my friends and acquaintances drive south on Interstate 65 all the way to our panhandle community. The last thing I want to do is spend more time on the road trip than absolutely necessary, especially with a dog on board.
If an individual or couple does not have pets or a lot of absolutely necessary belongings, flying is a possibility. But, there's more than meets the eye with that and unless you have no other option, such as a medical condition or choosing Hawaii for your winter destination, a road trip makes the most sense for all of the snowbirds I've ever encountered.
Traveling to your snowbird community is a major factor, but the cost of living and weather are also significant. More than one conversation with future snowbirds has taken place about "Which is better?" types of scenarios. This post is the second of several that will discuss "Which is better?" of two states. Florida is the long recognized gold standard of snowbird destinations. It is the king of the country for popularity attracting seasonal residents such as snowbirds. However, it is not the only option and for many, it's not the best option for their own personal circumstances and needs.
Here I will briefly provide the facts of three topics: weather, costs and ease of travel comparing Florida with Texas. As always, weigh everything carefully and do your own research. The general information provided here is for a basic overview of what to expect and not intended to be specific for my readers."
Florida is the number one hottest state in the US with an average temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit in 2024. Hawaii is ranked number four with an average temperature of 66.9 degrees Fahrenheit in 2024. In-between is Louisiana and Texas, followed by Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Arkansas and Oklahoma rounding out the top ten. Alaska is the least hot with an average temperature of 27.8.
Winters in Florida are mild and summers are hot and humid. July is the hottest month of the year in Florida, averaging 90 to 92 degrees and frequently exceeding 100 degrees. February is the coldest month in Hawaii with an average temp of 72 degrees. The hottest month in Hawaii is September with an average temp of 80.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Hawaii is very consistent in average temperatures and has never fallen below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) nor risen above 100 degrees.
Source: Climate at a Glance, StateWide Mapping - National Centers for Environmental Information
Source: https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/united-states/us
Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/hottest-states
Although both Florida and Hawaii are humid, Florida edges out Hawaii with an average relative humidity of 74.5% vs. Hawaii with 73.3% average humidity. Alabama is the most humid state at 77.1%, followed by Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Maine and Vermont rounding out the top ten. Nevada is least humid with an average 38.3% rate, which makes it the most arid of all the states.
Humid heat always makes temperatures feel hotter and more stifling because the high moisture in the air makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate from human skin. However, humid temperatures are generally better for sinuses and can decrease symptoms of asthma and allergies. In a dry climate, you may sweat more than in humid heat, but may not notice because the moisture evaporates from skin more quickly. It is easier to become dehydrated in dry climates.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/most-humid-states
Florida is known as the "Sunshine State," however, Florida is ranked number nine for sunshine, vs. Hawaii which is ranked number five.
Florida has an average of 66% sunny days per year and an average of 101 clear days and 2,927 sunny hours, making it ninth of the states in the US. Data was measured in Tampa, Florida located on the Western Peninsular side of Central Florida. Hawaii has an average of 71% sunny days per year and an average of 90 clear days making it fifth of the states in the US. Data was measured in Honolulu, Hawaii located on the island of Oahu. Data is not available for the number of sunny hours in Hawaii.
For comparison, Arizona is by far the top state in the US for sun exposure and has the highest percentage of sunny days at 85% and an average of 193 clear days per year. Arizona's average number of 3,806 sunny hours per year is followed by Nevada and New Mexico respectively with 79% and 76% to round out the top three. Data was measured in Tucson, Arizona located on the southern border.
States with the highest percentage of sunny days in descending order are: Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Hawaii, California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Florida, Georgia, Utah, Kansas, Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota and Virginia. Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Nebraska each have an average of 61% sunny days per year. Alaska has the least percentage of measured sunny days at 41%.
Sources: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/sunniest-states
The UV index is a measure of the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Hawaii and Florida both have very high UV rays; however Florida is rated as a "ten," and Hawaii is an "eleven." Hawaii is highest of the United States, ranking number one, followed by a four way tie of Florida, Arizona, California and Nevada with each rated a "ten." Florida has a 3,636 average daily UV Irradiance 2015. No data for average daily UV Irradiance 2015 is available for Hawaii. With the highest score of 11, Hawaii is the state closest to the Equator and thus has the most intense UV rays. Alaska is the lowest with a score of one.
Skin cancer, premature aging and other health problems are all linked to prolonged UV exposure of the sun. Precautions such as using sunblock and avoiding sun and UV exposure should be taken to lower the risk of sun-related health issues.
Source: EPH Tracking
Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/uv-index-by-state
The Cost of Living Index indicates Florida is much more affordable than Hawaii. Although Florida is slightly more expensive than the national average, Florida's Cost of Living Index is 102.8 and Hawaii's score is much higher than anywhere else in the United States with a score of 186.9. Information included here is the most current "Composite Cost of Living Index 2024 Annual Average" published by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.
The State of Hawaii is by far the most expensive state due to the whopping cost of living index of 186.9. For comparison, the state with the lowest score for 2024 is West Virginia at 84.1. My home state of Indiana is a reasonable 90.5 which is similar to Michigan's 90.4 and Iowa at 89.7. Other cold weather Midwestern states have scores as follows: Wisconsin, 97.0; Minnesota, 95.1; Illinois, 94.4; Ohio, 94.2 and Missouri, 88.7.
Northeastern states are all very high cost of living scores as follows: Massachusetts, 145.9; Washington D.C., 141.9; New York, 123.3; Maryland, 115.3; New Jersey, 114.6; Vermont, 114.4; New Hampshire, 112.6; Connecticut, 112.3; Rhode Island, 112.2; Maine, 112.1; Delaware, 100.8 and Pennsylvania, 95.1.
Northwestern states range from a high of California, 144.8; Alaska, 123.8; Washington, 114.2; Oregon, 112.0, Utah, 104.9; Colorado, 102.0; Idaho, 102.0; Nevada, 101.3; Wyoming, 95.5; Montana, 94.9; Nebraska, 93.1; South Dakota, 92.2; North Dakota, 91.9 and Kansas, 87.0.
Source: https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series
Because the State of Hawaii is a cohesive group of 137 volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 2,000 miles southwest of the U.S. mainland, it is not accessible by vehicle. The only methods of transportation to Hawaii are by air or water. Therefore there are many travel considerations that are addressed in my previous post: Flying Snowbirds. The island of Oahu is home to 2/3 of the residents of Hawaii; however, intra-island transportation may be necessary depending on the logistics of flights and island destinations.
Florida has a distance of about 450 miles north to south with about 400 miles in the East/West upper portion of the state. No other state in the continental US can come close to Florida's 1,146 miles of shoreline. The peninsula of Florida is surrounded by the Gulf of America and Atlantic Ocean. Florida is almost 66,000 square miles and does not have any international border.
Hawaii's miles of shoreline is fourth overall with 750 miles of Pacific Ocean shoreline. California is third ranking between Florida and Hawaii with 840 miles of shoreline. Hawaii has zero miles of international border and is fourth smallest for land area with 10,931 square miles. Alaska is by far the largest US state with just over 665,000 square miles and 6,640 miles of Pacific Ocean shoreline.
Florida has three major North/South interstate highways that will take you where you want to be.
Interstate 95: Carolinas and Eastern Peninsular Florida
Interstate 75: Georgia, Central and Western Peninsular Florida
Interstate 65: Northwest Florida and Alabama
--Scott Stabile, American Author, Speaker
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Florida features 1,146 miles of coastal shoreline and Texas has about 367 miles of shoreline. [Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida, Miramar Beach, Florida] Florida Vs. Texas A Comparison of Weather, Cost of Living Index and Ease of Travel by Vehicle This is the second of …
Florida Vs Arizona: Sun and heat are high in both states which makes each a great choice for outdoor activities [Maravilla Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida] Florida Vs. Arizona A Comparison of Weather, Cost of Living Index and Ease of Travel by Vehicle Let’s begin …
As both an owner and a guest, I've seen the good, bad and ugly for check in procedures and expectations. For example, a couple years ago our newest neighbors were standing in the hallway quite awhile with their adorable dog, Cookie. I learned they were waiting on an agent of the local rental company to come and unlock the door so they could unpack their loaded vehicle. Why? A keyless entry doesn't need anyone to let a guest in, especially if they are checking in within the allotted time. Every management company is different and you'll want to be very prepared for how you will get into the property, especially if it's before or after hours. Things happen and don't always go according to plan.
Personally, I love the road trip, the process of transitioning from our Northern home to our Southern home. It's a time for adjusting to new and letting go of the old. Part of the journey involves finding the charm along the way. A huge part of that is planning the stops, including the small town road side stands as well as the super travel centers and interstate highway attractions such as Peach Park in Clanton, Alabama.
Below is a list of useful topics that take a little time to think about and prepare for, but are worth the effort to save time and hassles later.
I thought I had just about everything figured out for our upcoming snowbird season until a couple days ago and realized I have no idea where the contract is. It's not in the usual places and we need to verify our payment information with the property manager. The amusing thing is, we are the property owners. But we need a contract and payment just like everybody else.
At least 30 days' prior to departure, locate and review your contract for policies, check in and departure times, access codes, pet fees or other fees and anything else you might need to refresh in advance. If your rental includes a golf cart, verify details that information as well.
Maybe you're super fortunate there's only one way to get to your destination. Not so much for us. Even though we spend a lot of time on I-65, there's always lane changes, river tolls, "Sunpass" tolls and construction or lane and road closures. Weather and accidents are another unpredictable problem on the interstate.
Once we exit the interstate, there's a myriad of route options that take us through the beautiful back country of Southern Alabama. We have found Waze to be a huge help to get us to our home in Northwest Florida because there are many variables with routes, fuel centers, food and more. Road trips are already stressful and anything you can do to know when, where and how you're traveling is a life saver.
By reserving and paying for your hotel as far in advance as possible, you will likely not only save money, you'll also be promised the type of room you prefer. For us, pet friendly and convenience to I-65 is most important, followed by a King bed, in-room microwave and refrigerator, reasonable price and located in Athens, Alabama, our favorite stopping point. Other considerations include ADA access, cancellation policy, proximity to restaurants and fuel centers as well as in an area not plagued by crime. During busy season, such as holidays and the start of Spring Break, snowbirds and spring breakers are intersecting at the hotels and you'll want to get your room booked before they do. Other competition includes long term hotel guests who may be in the area for their trades or special events such as weddings and celebrations. By reserving in advance, you'll dodge many of the unknowns by waiting too long to book.
Be sure to know your codes! We have a code for the gated complex, access to the beach gate, fitness center and yet another code for our property's keyless entry. Our vehicle also has a convenient keyless code that I use quite often. If I'm walking by, I don't need to
bring my keys if I need to get something out of there. We use the cargo space as a "mini garage," and store our utility bags, boxes, tools and much more.
Log your codes into your phone or somewhere that you can easily retrieve them in a hurry. At home we have a ton of codes too, but I use them more often than I do in the gaps between time in our winter home. Usually we update our snowbird codes prior to departure because they change about 4 or 5 times a year. As we drive up to the gated entry, it's less stressful to have them ready.
Never ever assume that just because you've stayed in the same place multiple seasons that nothing will change for the better or worse for your next stay. It's wise to ask your property manager or owner for any possibilities of the following:
--Planned maintenance/closure of pools, hot tubs/spas, fitness centers, sports courts, elevators, etc
--New amenities such as covered BBQ grill areas, volleyball, pickleball, tennis courts, etc
--Activities, social events and local festivals and events
--Construction or renovation of the individual unit/home where you will be staying for the season
--Construction/renovation of the complex where you will be. This could include closure of your balcony or patio area; closure of walkways and parking spaces, loud noise, dust and other unpleasant issues.
--Local businesses that may change their seasonal hours of operation. Some close for the entire month of January for various reasons, so if your heart is set on frequenting a favorite coffee shop or establishment, you'll want to know in advance if it's going to be open when you plan your morning coffee run or evening stroll to the local winery or pub.
A cautionary tale:
I met a lovely Arkansas family who selected their winter rental because it was located directly across from the elevator. They knew their elderly mother would be staying for a couple of weeks and were pleased to get a top floor unit right by the elevator. Their joy was ruined when they arrived on site to find the elevator was closed for at least a week due to being upgraded and replaced. There were other working elevators, but they were too far for the mother, who had mobility issues. So the family had no choice and went home. I felt terrible for them, but it just didn't work out. Guests with ADA needs or elderly dogs may experience a similar situation. By checking in advance, problems can be identified and hopefully rectified prior to arrival.
-- Alan Lakein, American Author
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Exploring the upscale and historical Frangista Beach neighborhood was a memorable highlight of my solo trip to paradise The Off Season Solo Traveler How I Overcame Trepidation and Found Calm as a Solo Traveler in Paradise Many snowbirds love traveling in the off season. My …